Insect repellents: How to protect your child from insect bites

:: Highlights

Do not use insect repellents with DEET on infants under 6 months of age.

Read the entire label before using any insect repellent.

Mosquitoes, ticks and biting flies can carry disease. However in Canada, flies do not carry disease and disease from other insects is very rare. To help avoid insect and tick bites you can:

Avoid sandals, wear light-coloured, long pants and long-sleeved shirts when outdoors, and tuck shirts into pants and pants into socks. This is especially important when mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk.

Avoid places where mosquitoes breed and live, like standing water.

Clean up any standing water in your yard.

Keep screens in good repair.

Cover playpens or strollers with a fine mesh netting when you are in an area with mosquitoes.

Use insect repellents.

Who ensures that insect repellents are safe?

All active ingredients in insect repellents are reviewed by Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency before they can be sold in Canada. Products can include DEET, icaridin/picaridin, 10% oil of lemon eucalyptus (p-menthane 3,8 diol) [PMD], 2% soybean oil and citronella oil.

What is DEET?

DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) is a chemical found in insect repellents. DEET will protect you from biting flies, ticks and mosquitoes.

Not all products have the same concentration (amount) of DEET. The amount is listed as a percentage, such as 10% DEET. Insect repellents with a higher concentration of DEET provide a longer duration of protection. In Canada, products with a concentration of DEET above 30% are not available.

Like any chemical, insect repellents; should be used safely.

Your child should only be exposed to small amounts of DEET.

Age

How much DEET can I use?

How long does it work after you put it on?

6 months of age and younger

Do not use insect repellents with DEET. Use a fine mesh net to cover your baby’s stroller or playpen when outside.

6 months up to 2 years

No more than 10% DEET

Up to once a day.

2.5–4.5 hours

2 to 12 years

No more than 10% DEET

Up to 3 times a day.

2.5-4.5 hours

Over 12 years of age

Up to 30% DEET.

5-8 hours

Pregnant/breastfeeding mothers

Although there is no known hazard to unborn or breastfed infants, pregnant or nursing mothers may wish to consider DEET alternatives, such as using protective clothing and avoiding exposure to insects.

Can I use DEET-free alternatives?

Can I use 'natural' repellents?

Yes. However, they may not work as well as products that contain DEET and icaridin/picaridin, and in some cases not as much is known about their safety. Also, these products may not protect against tick bites. Remember, just because a product is labeled "natural" doesn't necessarily mean it is safe. In some cases they may cause skin or eye irritations.

Up to 2 hours against mosquitoes and up to 5 hours against black flies.

Unknown

Soybean oil

There are no age restrictions or limitations on frequency of use with these products.

Up to 3½ hours against mosquitoes and up to 8 hours against black flies.

Unknown

Citronella

Should not be used on children under 2 years of age.

Up to 2 hours against mosquitoes.

Unknown

How can I use insect repellents safely?

Read the entire label before using any insect repellent.

Do not allow children under 10 years of age to put on their own insect repellent. Apply the product lightly and don’t use more than you need.

Always spray in an open, ventilated area. Do not apply in a tent or motorhome.

Do not apply on irritated or sunburned skin or on open cuts or scrapes.

Do not apply on your child’s hands because she might rub it into her eyes or mouth.

Be careful not to get it in your child’s eyes. If you do get the insect repellent in the eyes, rinse with water right away.

Apply it only on top of clothing or to skin that is showing. Don’t use it under clothes.

Reapply after swimming.

When you don’t need the protection anymore, wash the repellant off with soap and water.

If you think your child is having a reaction to the product, wash the skin and get medical help right away. Take the container with you so the doctor knows what you used.

Can I use insect repellent and a sunscreen at the same time?

Yes, but avoid products with a combination of insect repellent and sunscreen. Sunscreen typically needs to be reapplied more often than repellent. If repellent and sunscreen are both required, the sunscreen should be applied first. Wait 20 minutes and then apply the insect repellent.

The information on Caring for Kids should not be used as a substitute for medical care and advice. If you have specific concerns about your child’s health, please see your child’s paediatrician, family physician, or another health care provider.